Local student wins commissary scholarship

  • Published
  • By Connie Hempel
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  In the last 10 years, the Defense Commissary Agency has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships, and last month, one of Goodfellow's own was awarded $1,500 through the annual Scholarships for Military Children Program.

Angelo State University sophomore, Austin Medina, and his parents Albert and Wendy Medina, both Goodfellow civilian employees, said they're always looking and applying for scholarships because it helps the whole family.

"I was happy, because that's one less thing to worry about," Mrs. Medina said. "Money's tight when you have everyone going back to college to get their degree."

Although this is the first time he's received a commissary scholarship, Austin's no stranger to receiving financial awards for college.

Graduating in the top seven percent from Central High School two years ago, Mrs. Medina said that feat helped pay for Austin's freshman year at ASU.

"His first year of college was completely paid for with scholarships," she said. "So when he told me he won (the commissary scholarship), I wasn't surprised, but I was excited because one of his scholarships through the school may be cut this year."

Austin's parents have always encouraged and helped him find scholarships.

"We always tell him the more money that you can get in scholarships will not only help you out, but it's going to help us as well," Mrs. Medina said. "He's always been brilliant so I've always told him he needs to use that as a source to get as much money as he can too."

Austin and his dad find scholarships through the school's financial counselor, websites and even Federal Student Aid. He encourages others to do the same.

"It's just a matter of looking," he said. "College reps can show you all of the different scholarships available, and there are plenty of websites that offer scholarships for students looking to go to college."

Mrs. Medina believes being awarded scholarships like the one from the commissary helps build her son's self confidence too.

"Austin's always been independent, as independent as a parent lets their child be, but we've always encouraged him to find resources because eventually he's going to have to rely on himself and fly on his own," she said.

More than 5,000 students applied for the Scholarships for Military Children at commissaries worldwide, and 670 applicants were awarded $1,500 each. Applicants were students whose parent is active-duty or retired from any service branch, including guard and reserve, and children of deceased military personnel. Austin's dad is a retired master sergeant.

Applicants for this year's program were required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average, volunteer with the school and in the community, demonstrate leadership qualities, and write an essay based on this topic: "Our nation has a goal of improving health and wellness. What are your ideas, and more importantly, how do you propose to put these ideas into action in your local community;" a topic right in line with a long-time interest of his.

"I've always liked sports, how the human body interacts and how maintaining it keeps you healthy," Austin said.

When he graduates from ASU with his degree in kinesiology and exercise science, Austin said he plans to follow his father's footsteps by joining the Air Force. Although he said he's not sure what career he wants to be in, but he still has a few years to decide.